The United States is spearheading a multinational alliance of over 50 nations to forge a new era in critical minerals trade, directly challenging China’s overwhelming market control. Unveiled during the Critical Minerals Ministerial on February 4, this trading block focuses on stabilizing supply chains for vital materials indispensable to clean energy and high-tech industries.
With China controlling 70% of rare earth minerals and 90% of global refining—further tightened by export curbs in April and October 2025—the US aims to liberate these resources through collaborative production and processing. The bloc will enable member countries to trade at minimum prices, safeguarding against price wars that undermine fair competition.
India’s participation marks a key endorsement, as Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar joined the Washington summit. He stressed international collaboration to address vulnerabilities from supply concentration, continuing support for the Forge partnership. His X post captured the essence: ‘Today in Washington DC, addressed Critical Minerals Ministerial. Underlined importance of international cooperation to mitigate supply chain risks from excessive concentration.’
Vice President JD Vance laid out the vision: America and allies must build a protective structure using tariffs and price floors. ‘We’re considering minimum prices for critical minerals so China can’t flood the market and eliminate rivals. Predictable, less volatile pricing will revive our industry,’ he said. The goal is self-reliance among partners, boosting joint ventures and securing steady flows without third-party dependencies.
This coalition not only counters economic coercion but also paves the way for technological sovereignty, reshaping global mineral dynamics for decades.
